The baroque era witnessed an increase in the building of new town halls and
the expansion of existing ones. New independent states emerged throughout
Europe, creating a corresponding demand for local self-government. Then, as
now, the town hall housed the offices of government and provided a place of
assembly. Set in the center of a town, it was likely to be modeled after an urban
palace, and it often included a prominent façade and tall clock tower.
Large and elaborately decorated, the town hall stood as an imposing symbol of
civic pride and identity.